Newcastle want a new goalkeeper and this is their shortlist
Newcastle United will make signing a new goalkeeper one of their first priorities this summer after identifying the position as a weakness.
Telegraph Sport understands a shortlist has been drawn up and three names – Brighton and Hove Albion ’s Bart Verbruggen , Lens’ Robin Risser and Manchester City ’s James Trafford – have figured prominently in early recruitment meetings. There are others on the list and Newcastle are determined to assess all their options before making a move.
Nick Pope has featured for the last two games after previously losing his place to Aaron Ramsdale , but both have been guilty of high-profile mistakes and have very different profiles.
Pope’s loss of form has been unexpected, having forced his way back into the England squad last year, but the 34-year-old has been a pale imitation of his former self. A groin injury has restricted his kicking but there have also been individual errors that have dented his confidence.
However, Pope’s return has made the defence look more assured. He made three important saves in the win over Brighton last weekend, even though his kicking remained erratic.
Ramsdale has made far more appearances (23) than expected when he signed on loan from Southampton, as a result of Pope’s loss of form.
But the 27-year-old’s limitations have also been exposed. He does not look convincing dealing with set-pieces and crosses and has been accused of failing to make enough big saves.
Newcastle are looking for a new goalkeeper to compete with Pope for the No 1 shirt next season. Telegraph Sport weighs up their options.
James Trafford
Club:Manchester City
Possible fee:£30-35m
Trafford would appear to be the early favourite. Newcastle believe he has the complete package and predict he will go on to become England’s first choice in the coming years, but they are bound to be wary of launching a third bid to sign the England international in as many years.
Having failed in an earlier attempt to persuade Burnley to sell, Newcastle were convinced they had won the race to sign him last summer. Trafford was also convinced he was moving to Tyneside in June, telling friends, as well as Newcastle players, that he would be signing for Eddie Howe.
But Newcastle struggled to agree a fee and when they eventually did so at the end of July, with Martin Dubravka moving to Turf Moor as part of the deal, Manchester City took advantage of a clause negotiated when they sold him to Burnley in 2023.
Newcastle agreed a £27m fee which City only needed to match to have the option of taking Trafford back to the Etihad.
The 23-year-old believed he would be first choice at City if he returned and was also offered considerably higher wages to reject Newcastle. He is understood to earn well in excess of £100,000 a week at City, which would complicate a move to Newcastle. He is also on the shortlist of a number of Premier League teams, including Aston Villa , Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur .
Newcastle have been led to believe Trafford, who has changed agents this season, would like to join them but they have been in this position before and will not want to get into another bidding war.
Robin Risser
Club: RC Lens
Possible fee:£20m
The 21-year-old is highly rated in France and reports from the continent claim Newcastle have already made contact with Lens to agree a fee.
Those reports have been played down by Newcastle sources, although they admit they do hold interest in the player and have been watching him all season.
Having played at every age group for France since he was 15, Risser has vast potential and would fit into Newcastle’s strategy of signing younger players who will grow with the team over the next few years.
But Risser has limited senior experience, and throwing him in as first choice next season would be a risk.
The talent is there. He is a good shot-stopper and is also good with his feet, which Newcastle feel they need to evolve their style of play next season.
Newcastle’s interest is genuine and they could, in theory, start next season with Pope in goal and allow Risser some time to adjust to English football and life at a new club.
If Risser arrives early and impresses Howe and his coaching staff in pre-season, he could also start next season as first choice.
Bart Verbruggen
Club:Brighton and Hove Albion
Possible fee:£35-40m (Brighton could ask for as much as £50m)
Verbruggen would not be cheap but, like Trafford, the 23-year-old fits the profile Newcastle are looking for and would arrive ready to go straight into the team.
The Dutchman is thought to be keen to explore his options for a move in the summer and the fact he has already played more than 100 games for Brighton means he has plenty of experience.
His reputation has soared on the south coast since he arrived from Anderlecht in 2023 and there are plenty of reasons to believe he would be the ideal fit for Newcastle as they look to move on from Pope.
However, perhaps with thoughts of a potential move to Newcastle playing on his mind, Verbruggen was not at his best for Brighton in their defeat at St James’ Park last weekend and he was at fault for the first goal.
That is unlikely to have put Newcastle off given they have been tracking the player for months and have been impressed with his command of the area and his shot-stopping ability.
Indeed, Newcastle’s coaching staff have pointed out that Verbruggen’s passing range and accuracy in his distribution is integral to Brighton’s style of play. He was one of the main reasons they struggled to press their opponents last weekend.
That is why the asking price could be a problem. Brighton are very good at extracting the maximum fee when selling key players and could ask for as much as £50m for Verbruggen.
